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SunExpress Flight Experiences Landing Gear Collapse at Antalya Airport

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. es-landing-gear-collapse-at-antalya-airport.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 5:04 GMT by Flightglobal
      Locales: TURKEY, GERMANY

Antalya, Turkey - February 14th, 2026 - A SunExpress Boeing 737-800 experienced a significant incident at Antalya Airport (AYT) yesterday, February 13th, 2026, when its main landing gear collapsed while the aircraft was taxiing for departure. The flight, designated XQ624, was scheduled to operate from Antalya to Eindhoven, Netherlands.

Fortunately, despite the dramatic event, all 184 passengers and six crew members on board disembarked safely, and authorities have confirmed that no injuries were sustained. The incident occurred while the aircraft was maneuvering on the taxiway, preparing for takeoff. Preliminary reports indicate the collapse involved one of the aircraft's main landing gear assemblies.

Images and videos quickly proliferated across social media platforms, vividly illustrating the extent of the damage. These visuals show the aircraft stationary on the tarmac with a visibly compromised landing gear, a clear indication of the force involved. The Turkish General Directorate of Civil Aviation immediately launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse, and Boeing has been notified and is cooperating with the authorities.

A Deeper Look at Landing Gear Failures

While thankfully rare, landing gear failures remain a critical safety concern in aviation. These incidents can stem from a multitude of factors, ranging from mechanical issues and maintenance oversights to foreign object debris (FOD) on the runway and pilot error. A thorough investigation will be crucial to pinpoint the root cause in this case.

The Boeing 737-800 is a widely operated and generally reliable aircraft. However, like all complex machinery, components are subject to wear and tear, and regular, rigorous maintenance is paramount. Investigators will meticulously examine the aircraft's maintenance records to ascertain if any pre-existing conditions or recent work could have contributed to the failure. They'll also analyze the landing gear itself - examining the hydraulic systems, locking mechanisms, and structural integrity of the components.

FOD, such as loose stones, metal fragments, or even bird strikes, can cause significant damage to landing gear components during taxiing or takeoff/landing. A detailed sweep of the taxiway will be conducted to determine if any FOD was present and may have played a role. The investigation will also likely examine the ground handling procedures at Antalya Airport to ensure adherence to safety protocols.

Impact on SunExpress and Antalya Airport

The incident will undoubtedly cause disruption to SunExpress's flight schedule. The airline has not yet commented on the extent of the delays or cancellations, but passengers scheduled to travel on XQ624, and potentially on subsequent flights operated by the same aircraft, will likely be affected. The grounding of the aircraft for investigation and repairs will further impact operations.

Antalya Airport, a major hub for tourism and international travel, is also experiencing knock-on effects. The disabled aircraft requires removal from the taxiway, which necessitates specialized equipment and potentially a temporary closure of sections of the airport. This could lead to delays for other airlines and increased congestion. Airport authorities are working to minimize disruption and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

Boeing Under Scrutiny - A Broader Context

This incident occurs at a sensitive time for Boeing, which has been under intense scrutiny following recent quality control issues with other aircraft models. While the 737-800 is a different aircraft type than the 737 MAX, any incident involving a Boeing aircraft will inevitably attract heightened media attention and public concern. The company will be keen to demonstrate its commitment to safety and transparency throughout the investigation.

What Happens Next?

The Turkish authorities, working in conjunction with Boeing and potentially with input from the aircraft's manufacturer of the landing gear (likely a specialized supplier), will conduct a comprehensive investigation. This will include:

• Detailed inspection of the damaged landing gear: Identifying the point of failure and examining the components for signs of fatigue, corrosion, or manufacturing defects.
• Review of maintenance records: Ensuring all required inspections and repairs were carried out according to schedule.
• Analysis of flight data recorders (FDR) and cockpit voice recorders (CVR): Providing insights into the aircraft's operation and any potential contributing factors.
• Interviews with crew members and ground personnel: Gathering firsthand accounts of the incident.

The findings of the investigation will be used to determine the cause of the gear collapse and to implement any necessary corrective actions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The report will likely be submitted to international aviation safety organizations for review and potential recommendations. SunExpress has yet to release a statement but is expected to provide updates as the investigation progresses.